Why There’s a Bright Future for Cyber Professionals

Remember the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data mining
scandal of 2018? For millions, it would be difficult not to. But just in case
your memory escapes you, it was a massive
privacy scandal following allegations that data firm Cambridge Analytica
used ill-gotten personal information from millions of Facebook users to try to
influence the 2016 U.S.
presidential election. Ring a bell now?

The point here being that we all like to think we can
completely trust our online platforms, when the reality is that we don’t always know where our data is going or with
whom we are revealing information. Because we are living more and
more online, and are ever more dependent on digital technologies, the role of
cyber security professionals is thus becoming increasingly important. It’s a
skill set not to be overlooked if you’re searching for your next big
opportunity.

IT and cybersecurity expert Dr. Roméo Farinacci describes
in his TED Talk on
cybersecurity the many hats a cyber pro may wear as careers in the field grow in
demand. “You could be doing anything from protecting democratic data exchanged
during elections and securing sensitive client medical records, to combating
cyber terrorism and cyber espionage. You’ll be integral in stopping fraud,
guarding against malicious attacks, and maintaining the integrity of important
networks.”

In addition to the possibility of diverse
responsibilities, here are a few more reasons why a career in cybersecurity
could be a great move.

Cyber Attacks Aren’t Going
Away

Data breaches, identity theft, and other cyber attacks
seem to be here to stay. Identity theft alone claimed
more than 16 million victims in 2017. In the same year, over 30 percent of
American consumers learned of a data breach involving their personal
information.

The high monetary loss associated with these breaches is
bringing the value of cybersecurity to light. A growing arsenal of identity
protection services is in need of pros to keep their corporate and
individual customers safe. Other employers, both large and small, are needing
to protect their interests as well.

The surge in demand for cybersecurity pros has left a skills
gap in the workforce, with hundreds of thousands of jobs going unfilled.
And, this demand is global. Because there aren’t enough experts to go around, a
new entrant into the field can earn
a lucrative starting salary. Plus, the possibilities exist to work almost
anywhere. Undoubtedly, there’s job security in cybersecurity.

Education is Stepping Up to
the Challenge

The reason cybersecurity pros are in such high demand is
due in part to the fact that academia hasn’t kept up in offering relevant
educational opportunities. But, that course is beginning to turn.

Beyond the classroom, cybersecurity newbies and experts
alike can benefit from workshops and a growing
abundance of certifications. As more and more universities now offer
cybersecurity courses and training options, so too are an increasing number of
organizations recognizing the need for knowledgeable personnel to safeguard their
valuable data.

Admiration Comes with the
Territory

The rise of the Internet
of Things has
changed the ways in which people and societies network, live, and work. A role
in cybersecurity places you at the forefront of this pivotal shift.
You’ll be revered for protecting people’s lives and livelihoods at a time when
personal and private information is increasingly put at risk.

The best cybersecurity pros outsmart malicious hackers on a
daily basis by being the good guys (white hats) of the hacking world. You’ll be
able to blaze a trail as a cybersecurity strategist who can predict an
attacker’s next move and move fast to patch up vulnerabilities before digital
assets are put in jeopardy.

So where do you start if
you’re interested in a career in cybersecurity, or your next big cyber
opportunity?

There isn’t one right path to an amazing career in
cybersecurity. Instead, you will find many different paths that offer diverse
opportunities and long-term rewards. Explore our talent page to take
control of your search and expand your reach.